MCSO: Man charged with theft of services after moving water meter

Published: Wednesday, July 3, 2013 at 4:57 p.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, July 3, 2013 at 4:57 p.m.

OCALA - A man was charged Tuesday with theft services after authorities said he removed a water meter from a home next door and placed it on his water line so his house would have water.

A sheriff's deputy went to 3870 NE 13th Ave., where an employee with Sunshine Utilities told him someone had taken the water meter from a home next door and installed it at that address. The employee said water had been shut off at that address from May 14 through July 2 for non-payment.

Chad Mervolion, 25, who lives at the home, told the deputy he removed the meter from the home next door and put it on his water line because he did not have money to turn on the water, according to reports.

The utility company wanted to press charges against Mervolion, stating he owes them $242.06, the report noted.

Mervolion was arrested and taken to the Marion County Jail. He has since been released on $500 bond.

<p>OCALA - A man was charged Tuesday with theft services after authorities said he removed a water meter from a home next door and placed it on his water line so his house would have water.</p><p>A sheriff's deputy went to 3870 NE 13th Ave., where an employee with Sunshine Utilities told him someone had taken the water meter from a home next door and installed it at that address. The employee said water had been shut off at that address from May 14 through July 2 for non-payment.</p><p>Chad Mervolion, 25, who lives at the home, told the deputy he removed the meter from the home next door and put it on his water line because he did not have money to turn on the water, according to reports.</p><p>The utility company wanted to press charges against Mervolion, stating he owes them $242.06, the report noted.</p><p>Mervolion was arrested and taken to the Marion County Jail. He has since been released on $500 bond.</p><p><i>- Austin L. Miller</i></p>